Sunday, December 29, 2013

I've had this book in my personal library for a couple of years and have always wanted to make some of the projects within it's pages. I love the style of the book, the attractive cover and photos......and so, as we venture into another creative year, I thought that it would be fun to start featuring some of my favourite finds; thoughts on the book/projects, and share my findings with you. This is a wonderful book that will help you "create home décor projects to reflect the changes outdoors while enjoying delicious recipes indoors". That's right, in addition to the 12 projects in this book (suitable for all sewing levels), there are lots of photos to inspire, stories to warm your heart and lots of fun recipes...so perhaps I will get many, many hours of creative fun in my Studio as well as the kitchen.

The first project in this book is entitled JOY WALL QUILT...a beautiful wall hanging - 17 1/2 x 30".....I figured that it would be good to start with the first project and see how it goes....this project is regular piecing + applique so a really fun project... I've made acrylic templates for the applique pieces,,,chose my fabrics...and now I'm already to start...

I followed Sharon's instructions and cut the background strips the sizes given however, I did make a couple of changes...when piecing the background, I felt that it was the perfect little project for quilt-as-you-go. So, I chose my backing fabric, laid that out on my work table, then layered by batting; and then my first strips, (starting with the center of the wall hanging)...and sewed and quilted as I went.... For the 1" strips in the design, rather than fold in half as advised on Page 16, I simple sewed these as per the larger pieces.

The pattern advised to applique the little panels before piecing the background; I opted to complete the background first. When I hand applique, I like to anchor my stitches in the batting, I feel that it makes for a nicer appliqued top. Now, on to the next steps...I'll keep you posted with my progress.

About Me

Quilting is my passion! Fabric has been a part of my life since I sat at my grandmother’s knee and watched her creatve wonderful things on her antique WHITE machine; manuyally turning that machine to work magic.
Home décor has already played a big role in my professional life; and truly, fabric has followed me all the way.... But quilting and patchwork is my absolute passion; especially WOOL APPLIQUE.
Quilting is like coloring when I was a kid - except my crayons now are called fabrics and wools.....and my coloring book pages are the creations made with these pieces.
I am thankful and blessed with the ability to be a part of this huge quilting .
My Quilting World revolves around my Quilting Studio, where I have fun and create; and also supply fun quilting and sewing books, patterns and notions to my clients; to my office where I am often found penning for my blog, or at my sewing machine where I enjoy turning scraps into treasures.
Yes, I enjoy patchwork, but I am also totally head-over-heels in love with Wool Applique.
My other joy is to share with all of you - my fellow creative friends, in this fabulous creative world!
Blessings to all,
Bill